Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
For us to grasp the full meaning of this beatitude, we need to ask a few questions:
1. What does it mean to be meek? (And what doesn’t it mean?)
If you look up the word in a standard dictionary you’ll find something like this:
- enduring injury with patience and without resentment,
- deficient in spirit and courage, submissive
- not violent or strong
-Webster’s
Deficient in spirit. . . not strong. Raise your hand if that’s your aspiration in life.
How about a biblical dictionary of the word? Here’s Strong’s lexicon:
Usage: The Greek word “praus” is often translated as “meek” or “gentle” in English. It describes a quality of character that is marked by humility and a gentle spirit. In the New Testament, “praus” is used to depict an attitude of submission to God’s will, a willingness to endure injury with patience and without resentment, and a gentle approach towards others. It is not to be confused with weakness; rather, it is strength under control.
Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, meekness was not typically considered a virtue. The culture often valued power, dominance, and assertiveness. However, in the biblical context, meekness is a highly esteemed quality, reflecting the character of Christ Himself. It is associated with a deep trust in God and a commitment to His ways, even in the face of adversity.
Biblical meekness is often defined as strength under control. Kent Hughes defined it as “tender steel”.
I think of meekness as a sense of nothingness before God which produces tender kindness, patience and deference toward others.
God calls followers of Jesus to this kind of life. We are called to meek with . . .
- Those who disagree with us. (2 Timothy 2:24-25)
- Our spouses and children. (Eph. 5:21, 1 Peter 3:7, Col. 3:21))
- Those who persecute us. (Romans 12:14)
- Those in power (1 Peter 2:18)
- Our enemies (Luke 6:35)
This is an extraordinary demand.
2. Why would someone want to be meek?
The most prominent figures in the Old Testament (Moses – Numbers 12:3) and in the New Testament (Jesus – Matthew 11:29) were distinguished by their meekness.
The man God chose to save the nation of Israel and lead them to the land of promise was the meekest man on earth.
The one God chose to save the world and lead the elect into an eternal kingdom ‘made himself nothing’ in extraordinary meekness. (Philippians 2:5-8)
Those two examples alone are enough to motivate the wise to pursue meekness.
In the beatitudes, Jesus gives us more reason. The meek shall inherit the earth.
Time is on the side of the meek. When this temporary world and it’s pleasures have passed way into nothing, a new and enduring world will arise. And it will be given to the meek.
The meek do not worry about the world rushing past them, scrambling for scraps of land, power and wealth in this life. We know it will soon be gone and the new world will be ours.
3. How can a person become meek?
We learn meekness through obedience.
We are made meek through trials and setbacks.
We imitate meekness as we focus on our Savior.
We display meekness as the gentleness of the Spirit takes over more of our lives and bears fruit in us.
Lord give us grace to swim against the current of self-determination and pride.
Give us clear eyes to see the glories of the land of promise waiting for the meek.